Celebrate Hockey Day in Canada at Downsview Park's 3-On-3 Street Hockey Tournament in Support of Shoot for a Cure

TORONTO, ONTARIO--(Marketwire - Feb. 19, 2009) -

ATTENTION: SPORTS EDITORS

Celebrate Hockey Day in Canada this Saturday with more than 700 hockey players from Ontario as they shoot it out at Downsview Park Sports Centre to raise funds for Shoot for a Cure, a charity committed to finding a cure for spinal cord injuries. Games will be action-packed as players as young as 11 years of age compete in 11 ball hockey divisions.

Watch as the top pledge-earning team plays against NHL Alumni Ric Natress, Darryl Shannon, Jim Thompson and Wayne Cowley.

A NEW addition to this year's event is Downsview Park's Canada Cup tournament, featuring provincial championship teams from across Canada.

"This year's tournament demonstrates our commitment to realizing the mandate of our national urban park. With a record number of 112 teams, in addition to representation of championship teams from across Canada, this year's event is truly a celebration of our culture-the country's and that of Downsview Park's," said Tony Genco, President and CEO of Parc Downsview Park Inc. "We are truly a park for all seasons and for all Canadians, which affords us the opportunities to partner with organizations such as the OBHA, to support campaigns that give back to the community."

"We are excited to once again have the opportunity to partner with the Ontario Ball Hockey Association and Downsview Park for this exciting day which unites support from the community," comments Barry Munro, Chairman of the Canadian Spinal Research Organization. "The tireless contribution from these two organizations towards our Shoot for a Cure campaign demonstrates how vital partnerships are in helping us achieve our goal of finding a cure for paralysis."

Formerly a military base (CFB Toronto), Parc Downsview Park Inc. (PDP) was established by the Government of Canada, stipulating that the land be developed as "a unique urban recreational greenspace for the enjoyment of future generations." Downsview Park is self-financing, independent of government funding, and is being designed to support environmental, social and economic sustainability. Of its 572 acres, 366 acres are committed to public open space and recreational use. Downsview Park engages the public through its year-round seasonal, cultural and special events, and educational and recreational programs. It is also home to the Downsview Park Sports Centre. These features promote and broaden awareness of the significant historical, environmental and cultural characteristics that make Downsview Park unique. Over a million visits annually continues to establish Downsview Park as a park for all people and a park for all seasons. Visit www.downsviewpark.ca.

About Shoot for a Cure

Shoot for a Cure is a fundraising campaign of the Canadian Spinal Research Organization. It is directly focused on and led by the hockey community. Shoot for a Cure seeks to raise funds for spinal cord research, to raise awareness of spinal cord injuries in sport and to promote prevention of neurotraumatic injuries through sporting events, the sports community, sponsorship, donations and the Play it Cool™ program.